From hymnsite.org:
Scriptural Readings, No. 1:
Exodus 24:12-18 (New International Version, ©2011)
12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”
13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Theme: Preparing to receive God's law
Suggested Hymns:
332: Spirit of Faith, Come Down
454: Open My Eyes, That I May See
Scriptural Readings, No. 2:
Psalm 2 (New King James Version)
Psalm 2
The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom
1 Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,[b] lest He[c] be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Footnotes:
a.Psalm 2:9 Following Masoretic Text and Targum; Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read rule (compare Revelation 2:27).
b.Psalm 2:12 Septuagint and Vulgate read Embrace discipline; Targum reads Receive instruction.
c.Psalm 2:12 Septuagint reads the Lord.
Psalm 99 (New King James Version)
Psalm 99
Praise to the LORD for His Holiness
1 The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
2 The LORD is great in Zion,
And He is high above all the peoples.
3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name—
He is holy.
4 The King’s strength also loves justice;
You have established equity;
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
8 You answered them, O LORD our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
9 Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the LORD our God is holy.
Theme: A holy God of awesome power
Suggested Hymns:
103: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
117: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
698: God of the Ages
Scriptural Readings, No. 3:
Matthew 17:1-9 (New King James Version)
Matthew 17
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us[a] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”
Footnotes:
a.Matthew 17:4 NU-Text reads I will.
Theme: The transfiguration
Suggested Hymns:
258: O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair
372: How Can We Sinners Know
Scriptural Readings, No. 4:
2 Peter 1:16-21 (New King James Version)
The Trustworthy Prophetic Word
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,[a] which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,[b] 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[c] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes:
a.2 Peter 1:19 Or We also have the more sure prophetic word.
b.2 Peter 1:20 Or origin
c.2 Peter 1:21 NU-Text reads but men spoke from God.
Theme: Prophecy is fulfilled in the manner that God chooses
Suggested Hymns:
500: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
567: Heralds of Christ
Featured Hymn
Open My Eyes, That I May See
Hymn #454
Words and music by Clara H. Scott
Tune Name: OPEN MY EYES
Waking up. It really is an amazing process. At one moment you are sound asleep, perhaps dreaming, perhaps not. At another moment you are wide awake, consciously experiencing all of your senses. Between those moments is a process--the process of awakening. Sometimes it happens very quickly; other times it happens very slowly. During the process, the real and the unreal are sometimes blurred. Distinguishing between what is dream and what is real can be quite difficult. It is a matter of perceiving things that are real--perceiving things that are true. Sometimes you might even need someone to say something to you so that you will finish waking up. Once you are awake, it amazes you that you couldn't see the truth all along.
The lectionary passages this week all have something to do with the way that people perceive and understand God. Moses prepared to go up on a mountain to receive God's law. He and all of the people of Israel could see signs of God's presence on that mountain. Moses could have decided to portray God to the Israelites in a form that the people might have wanted. Read on in the story and you will find that their vision of God did not correspond with the reality of God. Fortunately for Israel--and for us today--Moses opened his eyes to see the true God. The Psalmist continually uses perceptions and images. This time he declares the power and holiness of God. The Gospel story of the transfiguration is rich in images and symbolism. When the disciples began focusing on the event instead of focusing on the Lord, a voice from heaven gave them a "wake up call." The lesson from the epistles reminds us that we need to look for what God does, and not for what we think God "should do."
This week's suggested hymn asks for God's help in seeing, in hearing, and in sharing. The words and music were written by Clara H. Scott (1841-1897), who was a native of Illinois and taught music at the Ladies' Seminary in Lyons, Iowa. Here are the words.
1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! 2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Like God's people in the past--the Israelites, the disciples, the early church--we need to keep our eyes, our ears, and our hearts open to see and experience and share God's love. Carry the message of this hymn with you today and always.
God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com
Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT.
Scriptural Readings, No. 1:
Exodus 24:12-18 (New International Version, ©2011)
12 The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”
13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”
15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the LORD looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Theme: Preparing to receive God's law
Suggested Hymns:
332: Spirit of Faith, Come Down
454: Open My Eyes, That I May See
Scriptural Readings, No. 2:
Psalm 2 (New King James Version)
Psalm 2
The Messiah’s Triumph and Kingdom
1 Why do the nations rage,
And the people plot a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;
The Lord shall hold them in derision.
5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,
And distress them in His deep displeasure:
6 “Yet I have set My King
On My holy hill of Zion.”
7 “I will declare the decree:
The LORD has said to Me,
‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.
8 Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
9 You shall break[a] them with a rod of iron;
You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel.’”
10 Now therefore, be wise, O kings;
Be instructed, you judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear,
And rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son,[b] lest He[c] be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
Footnotes:
a.Psalm 2:9 Following Masoretic Text and Targum; Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read rule (compare Revelation 2:27).
b.Psalm 2:12 Septuagint and Vulgate read Embrace discipline; Targum reads Receive instruction.
c.Psalm 2:12 Septuagint reads the Lord.
Psalm 99 (New King James Version)
Psalm 99
Praise to the LORD for His Holiness
1 The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
2 The LORD is great in Zion,
And He is high above all the peoples.
3 Let them praise Your great and awesome name—
He is holy.
4 The King’s strength also loves justice;
You have established equity;
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
5 Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.
6 Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
8 You answered them, O LORD our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
9 Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the LORD our God is holy.
Theme: A holy God of awesome power
Suggested Hymns:
103: Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
117: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
698: God of the Ages
Scriptural Readings, No. 3:
Matthew 17:1-9 (New King James Version)
Matthew 17
1 Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us[a] make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.
9 Now as they came down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the Son of Man is risen from the dead.”
Footnotes:
a.Matthew 17:4 NU-Text reads I will.
Theme: The transfiguration
Suggested Hymns:
258: O Wondrous Sight! O Vision Fair
372: How Can We Sinners Know
Scriptural Readings, No. 4:
2 Peter 1:16-21 (New King James Version)
The Trustworthy Prophetic Word
16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed,[a] which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,[b] 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God[c] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
Footnotes:
a.2 Peter 1:19 Or We also have the more sure prophetic word.
b.2 Peter 1:20 Or origin
c.2 Peter 1:21 NU-Text reads but men spoke from God.
Theme: Prophecy is fulfilled in the manner that God chooses
Suggested Hymns:
500: Spirit of God, Descend upon My Heart
567: Heralds of Christ
Featured Hymn
Open My Eyes, That I May See
Hymn #454
Words and music by Clara H. Scott
Tune Name: OPEN MY EYES
Waking up. It really is an amazing process. At one moment you are sound asleep, perhaps dreaming, perhaps not. At another moment you are wide awake, consciously experiencing all of your senses. Between those moments is a process--the process of awakening. Sometimes it happens very quickly; other times it happens very slowly. During the process, the real and the unreal are sometimes blurred. Distinguishing between what is dream and what is real can be quite difficult. It is a matter of perceiving things that are real--perceiving things that are true. Sometimes you might even need someone to say something to you so that you will finish waking up. Once you are awake, it amazes you that you couldn't see the truth all along.
The lectionary passages this week all have something to do with the way that people perceive and understand God. Moses prepared to go up on a mountain to receive God's law. He and all of the people of Israel could see signs of God's presence on that mountain. Moses could have decided to portray God to the Israelites in a form that the people might have wanted. Read on in the story and you will find that their vision of God did not correspond with the reality of God. Fortunately for Israel--and for us today--Moses opened his eyes to see the true God. The Psalmist continually uses perceptions and images. This time he declares the power and holiness of God. The Gospel story of the transfiguration is rich in images and symbolism. When the disciples began focusing on the event instead of focusing on the Lord, a voice from heaven gave them a "wake up call." The lesson from the epistles reminds us that we need to look for what God does, and not for what we think God "should do."
This week's suggested hymn asks for God's help in seeing, in hearing, and in sharing. The words and music were written by Clara H. Scott (1841-1897), who was a native of Illinois and taught music at the Ladies' Seminary in Lyons, Iowa. Here are the words.
1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine! 2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!
3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!
Like God's people in the past--the Israelites, the disciples, the early church--we need to keep our eyes, our ears, and our hearts open to see and experience and share God's love. Carry the message of this hymn with you today and always.
God bless you--
Lection at HymnSite.com
Passages suggested are from The Revised Common Lectionary: Consultation on Common Texts (Abingdon Press, 1992) copyright © by the Consultation on Common Texts (CCT), P.O. Box 340003, Room 381, Nashville TN 37203-0003. Reprinted with permission of CCT.
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